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A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO BECOME AN

ADVOCATE FOR THE DEDICATION OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE "NORTH

GOLF COURSE" AS PERMANENT UNIVERSITY URBAN GREEN SPACE.

WHEREAS, the university of New Mexico received the land

for the north golf course for one dollar ($1.00); and

WHEREAS, the labor to construct the north golf course

was provided without cost by the works progress administration

and includes a historic structure designed by noted university

architect John Gaw Meem; and

WHEREAS, all of the trees on the north golf course were

given by neighbors who allowed them to be dug out of their

yards and transplanted to the golf course; and

WHEREAS, former university of New Mexico President

Thomas Popejoy envisioned the north golf course as a place of

recreation for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, the north golf course is the largest green

space in the center of Albuquerque, which also serves the city

by reducing the urban heat island effect; and

WHEREAS, the trees protect the campus and surrounding

area from the pollutants vehicles emit on the state's two

largest interstates; and

WHEREAS, the trees are significant contributors toward

the city of Albuquerque's urban forest improvement initiative;

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and

WHEREAS, the north golf course is a refuge for wildlife

such as hawks, coyotes, roadrunners, rabbits and over a

hundred other desert creatures; and

WHEREAS, the north golf course provides further drainage

of storm water, which protects part of the city from flooding;

and

WHEREAS, the north golf course is a revenue-generating

part of the university of New Mexico's athletics program; and

WHEREAS, rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and

other illnesses caused by sedentary behaviors are increasing

at an alarming rate; and

WHEREAS, the north golf course provides a perimeter

trail of two miles open to walkers and joggers; and

WHEREAS, encouraging healthy lifestyles and exercise is

an inexpensive way to improve the health of Albuquerque

residents; and

WHEREAS, the north golf course contributes to a walkable

community and connectivity between the university, businesses

and surrounding neighborhoods;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the university

of New Mexico be requested to undertake action to permanently

set aside the property commonly known as the "north golf

course" for continued beneficial use as noted above; and

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

sent to each member of the board of regents of the university

of New Mexico, the president of the university of New Mexico,

the mayor of Albuquerque, each member of the Albuquerque city

council and the governor.